Fort Lauderdale vs Orlando
Side-by-side FOG compliance comparison between Fort Lauderdale, FL and Orlando, FL.
| Requirement | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Orlando, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing Code | IPC | IPC (Florida Building Code, based on International codes) |
| Min. Trap Size | Per Florida Building Code (IPC-based) and Broward County requirements; sized by seating capacity and kitchen equipment | Gravity grease interceptors: minimum 1,000-1,500 gallons per Orange County design guidelines, depending on fixture count and establishment type. Sizing follows the Orange County Grease Interceptor Design Guidelines (CERT document). Under-sink HGIs must be rated per Florida Building Code. |
| Pumping Frequency | Every 90 days typically; complete removal of all contents required (not just skimming) | Minimum every 90 days (quarterly). Must be pumped before grease/solids reach 25% of the interceptor capacity. |
| 25% Rule | Yes | Yes |
| Permit Required | Required | Required |
| Permit Fee | Per Broward County / City of Fort Lauderdale fee schedule; contact city for current amount | Industrial wastewater/FOG discharge permit required. Fees determined by Orlando Water Reclamation Division; typically $75-$150 annually depending on establishment category. |
| Max Fine | $250 per failure to clean; up to $5,000 for repeat violations; plus license suspension possible | Up to $10,000 per violation per day under City of Orlando Code. Additional civil penalties and potential injunctive relief. |
| Inspections | Regular inspections; restaurant employee must be present during grease trap cleaning | Routine inspections conducted by Orlando Water Reclamation Division / Orange County Utilities Environmental Compliance. Risk-based schedule; typically annual for compliant FSEs, with increased frequency for non-compliant facilities. |
| Record Keeping | Yes | Yes |
| Authority | City of Fort Lauderdale / Broward County Environmental Services | City of Orlando Water Reclamation Division; Orange County Utilities, Environmental Compliance Division |
| Establishments | 4,278 | 3,592 |
Key Differences
Even though both cities are in Florida, their FOG compliance requirements can differ significantly at the municipal level. Here are the most important differences restaurant operators should know:
- Fort Lauderdale follows the International Plumbing Code (IPC), while Orlando uses the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). This affects trap sizing calculations and installation standards.
- Pumping schedules differ: Fort Lauderdale requires "Every 90 days typically", whereas Orlando requires "Minimum every 90 days (quarterly). Must be pumped before grease/solids reach 25%".
- Both cities enforce the 25% rule, requiring grease traps to be pumped when grease and solids reach 25% of the trap's capacity.
- Fines differ: Fort Lauderdale penalties can reach $250 per failure to clean; up to $5,000 for repeat violations; plus license suspension possible, compared to Up to $10,000 per violation per day under City of Orlando Code. Additional civil penalties and potential injunctive relief. in Orlando.
What This Means for Restaurant Operators
If you operate food service establishments in both cities, understanding these regulatory differences is critical for compliance. Permit requirements vary, so check with each city's wastewater authority before opening a new location. Different plumbing codes (IPC vs IPC (Florida Building Code, based on International codes)) mean trap sizing calculations may produce different results for the same kitchen setup. Always verify current requirements directly with your local wastewater authority or plumbing inspector.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do grease trap requirements compare between Fort Lauderdale and Orlando?
Fort Lauderdale follows the International Plumbing Code (IPC), while Orlando uses the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). This affects trap sizing calculations and installation standards. Pumping schedules differ: Fort Lauderdale requires "Every 90 days typically", whereas Orlando requires "Minimum every 90 days (quarterly). Must be pumped before grease/solids reach 25%".
Which city has stricter grease trap enforcement, Fort Lauderdale or Orlando?
Enforcement varies: both cities have similar permit requirements. Fort Lauderdale fines: $250 per failure to clean; up to $5,000 for repeat violations; plus license suspension possible. Orlando fines: Up to $10,000 per violation per day under City of Orlando Code. Additional civil penalties and potential injunctive relief.. Always verify with local authorities.
How do pumping schedules differ between Fort Lauderdale and Orlando?
Fort Lauderdale: Every 90 days typically; complete removal of all contents required (not just skimming). Orlando: Minimum every 90 days (quarterly). Must be pumped before grease/solids reach 25% of the interceptor capacity..
Regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local wastewater authority or plumbing inspector before making compliance decisions. Last updated: March 2026.
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